kidsmakeyoucrazy
Well-Known Member
I've been lurking for a while and decided to post.
I've never brewed anything before. I've asked "Santa" for a brewkit from Midwest Supplies, the one that comes with basically everything http://new.midwestsupplies.com/everything-a-carboy-complete-brewing-package-equipment-kit-2.html
My questions are:
1. I've read that you can get a better beer by doing a late extract addition, but I'm not sure I want to tempt fate with my first batch. Should I just follow the instructions or is it worth trying a late extract and figuring the amount of hops I'll need etc for my first brew?
Second, is it ok to re-use commercial bottles? I've got a fridge full of micro brews and I'd like reuse the bottles if I could, not to mention the "big" bottles of Belgian I've emptied and my wife has on display....I'd like to put them to use too if it's ok.
I was thinking that once I figured out what I was doing I'd try a Belgian Dubbel that would probably tie up bottles for a bit while it "conditioned". It's my understanding that that style of beer finishes in the bottle and isn't fit to drink until it's a few months old.
I've never brewed anything before. I've asked "Santa" for a brewkit from Midwest Supplies, the one that comes with basically everything http://new.midwestsupplies.com/everything-a-carboy-complete-brewing-package-equipment-kit-2.html
My questions are:
1. I've read that you can get a better beer by doing a late extract addition, but I'm not sure I want to tempt fate with my first batch. Should I just follow the instructions or is it worth trying a late extract and figuring the amount of hops I'll need etc for my first brew?
Second, is it ok to re-use commercial bottles? I've got a fridge full of micro brews and I'd like reuse the bottles if I could, not to mention the "big" bottles of Belgian I've emptied and my wife has on display....I'd like to put them to use too if it's ok.
I was thinking that once I figured out what I was doing I'd try a Belgian Dubbel that would probably tie up bottles for a bit while it "conditioned". It's my understanding that that style of beer finishes in the bottle and isn't fit to drink until it's a few months old.